Military Heritage Museum Collection

Presents

Beyond the Walls of the Museum

Six significant battles and monuments that highlight key moments in which the U.S. military was engaged during Desert Storm, (1990-1991)

Desert Storm (1990-1991)

  1. Operation Desert Storm (1991) – The primary combat phase of the Gulf War, in which U.S.-led coalition forces launched a massive air and ground offensive to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. The operation resulted in a swift victory. Monument: The National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial in Washington, D.C., commemorates the U.S. and coalition forces who served in the Gulf War. https://www.history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/resmat/desert-storm/index.html
  2. Battle of Khafji (1991) – The first major ground engagement of the Gulf War, where U.S. Marines and Saudi forces repelled an Iraqi attack on the Saudi border town of Khafji, demonstrating coalition resolve and coordination. Monument: The Khafji Memorial in Saudi Arabia honors the Saudi and coalition forces who defended the city during the battle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Khafji
  3. Battle of 73 Easting (1991) – A decisive tank battle during Desert Storm, where U.S. forces, particularly the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, destroyed a large Iraqi Republican Guard force in the open desert, demonstrating the effectiveness of American armor and technology. Monument: There is no specific monument for 73 Easting, but various exhibits at the U.S. Army Armor & Cavalry Collection in Fort Benning, Georgia, commemorate tank battles of the Gulf War. https://militaryhistoryonline.com/Modern/BattleOf73Easting
  4. Highway of Death (1991) – A controversial event during Desert Storm, where retreating Iraqi forces were bombed by U.S. and coalition aircraft on the road between Kuwait and Basra, resulting in heavy casualties and destroyed vehicles. Monument: While there is no specific monument, the event is commemorated through historical analyses and exhibitions in Gulf War-focused museums, such as the National Museum of the U.S. Army. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highway_of_Death
  5. Battle of Medina Ridge (1991) – One of the largest tank battles in U.S. history, where the U.S. 1st Armored Division engaged the Iraqi Republican Guard’s Medina Division, resulting in a decisive American victory. Monument: The National Desert Storm War Memorial will honor battles like Medina Ridge as part of the broader Gulf War narrative. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Medina_Ridge
  6. Liberation of Kuwait City (1991) – The final act of Desert Storm, where U.S. and coalition forces liberated Kuwait City from Iraqi occupation. This marked the end of major combat operations in the Gulf War. Monument: The Liberation Tower in Kuwait City symbolizes the country’s liberation from Iraqi occupation, and there are smaller memorials honoring U.S. and coalition forces.   

These battles and monuments reflect the significant contributions and sacrifices of the U.S. military in Desert Storm highlighting key moments that shaped the course of the conflict.

This Exhibit is made possible through a generous gift from: Dick Panozzo Veteran and Military Heritage Museum Volunteer